'Pilot Getaways' acquires American Air Campers Association'Pilot Getaways' acquires American Air Campers Association

February 29, 2012By Jill W. Tallman

Pilot Getaways has acquired the American Air Campers Association (AACA) and its database of more than 620 public airports that offer camping facilities. The changeover was announced on Jan. 24.

Pilot Getaways will manage the AACA website and database. AACA members will have uninterrupted access to the website for the duration of their current subscription. They will receive a subscription to the magazine good through June 2012, as well as an introductory membership to the Recreational Aviation Foundation that is good until May 1.

RAF donor members and Pilot Getaways subscribers can access the AACA database by registering at the website for a login ID and password. Others who wish to utilize the database may subscribe to the magazine or join the RAF.

“This agreement gives our members the benefits of all three organizations, and helps unite the recreational pilot community,” said Don Abbott, founder and president of AACA. “Air camping puts us in touch with the magnificent beauty of the country, while bringing families closer together. I’m happy to see such a large community of pilots participate in this venture.” Abbott, a longtime AOPA member, launched the website in 2009. At the time, he said few pilots realize that 900 U.S. airports and 160 seaplane bases allow camping, while 1,500 state, local, and national parks are in close proximity to general aviation airports.

Pilot Getaways Editor in Chief John T. Kounis said the acquisition was a natural fit because “we at Pilot Getaways love camping. In fact, the idea of the magazine itself was born on a camping trip.”